Aitutaki, Cook Islands

May 15, 2018 - National Geographic Orion

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National Geographic Orion positioned on the edge of the Aitutaki Lagoon. Photo by Christina Damiano

The first rays of sunlight revealed the beautiful big island of Aitutaki. The atoll is famous for its scenic lagoon which we spent the day exploring. The history of Aitutaki is fascinating with many people believing the 2000 people current residence are descended from a great warrior named Ru. Ngaa Kitai Taria, the island’s Director of Cultural Studies, showcased the rich history of Aitutaki on tours of the island throughout the day before joining us aboard National Geographic Orion for an energy-filled special appearance at the evening’s recap.

About the Author

Jimmy has been coordinating education and research teams for national universities, international non-government organizations, and documentary companies for more than 10 years. Jimmy’s expertise lies in the coordination and implementation of field education and remote area research.